Officers ready to arrest shooters

ESCONDIDO -- A team of Escondido police officers will be on the
hunt New Year's Eve for anyone who fires a gun to celebrate the new
year. A decade ago, hundreds of gunshots signaled the big moment in
this blue-collar community and bullets fell at random. One person
was hit with one of those bullets, surviving with the bullet lodged
in his back.

"It causes an unsafe environment," police Sgt. Robert Healey
said Thursday. "Every year we get reports of property damage to
vehicles and homes from falling bullets."

An education and enforcement effort by the Escondido Police
Department, the City of Escondido and residents has dramatically
reduced the number of gunshot reports over the years. The number
dropped about 40 in 2000, and there were 13 last year.

This year, a dozen officers will work until well after midnight
trying to discourage celebratory gunfire and arresting anyone
suspected of firing a gun, Healey said.

Officers also will watch for drinking and driving or anything
else that might make the holiday celebration unsafe. Lt. Mike
Loarie said any shots should be reported right away to 911.